On 17 January 2025, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) ordered Amazon to implement comprehensive notification and refund measures for hazardous products distributed through their platform. This decision impacts over 400,000 products, including faulty carbon monoxide detectors, unsafe hairdryers, and non-compliant children's sleepwear.
This development is especially relevant for manufacturers, importers, and sellers who use Amazon's fulfilment services. The decision establishes a crucial precedent: marketplace platforms can be held legally responsible as 'distributors' under the Consumer Product Safety Act for products sold by third-party sellers.
Key requirements for Amazon
The CPSC's order, effective from 26 January 2025, requires Amazon to take several significant actions. They must notify the public and original purchasers about recalled products through various channels, including direct emails and their website. Additionally, Amazon must offer full refunds to consumers who provide proof of destroying hazardous products.
What makes this order particularly noteworthy is its duration and scope. Amazon must maintain recall information on their website for at least five years and submit monthly progress reports, ensuring long-term accountability for product safety.
What could this mean for you?
If you're involved in manufacturing or selling consumer products, this decision sends a clear message about the increasing focus on product safety compliance. It emphasises that responsibility for product safety extends throughout the entire supply chain, including distribution platforms.
To protect your business and customers, consider these implications:
- Platform liability now extends beyond traditional manufacturer-distributor relationships
- The importance of rigorous product safety testing before market entry has never been greater
- Documentation and compliance records are crucial for long-term market access
If you need support in ensuring your products meet safety standards or understand your obligations under consumer protection laws, our team at Alura Group is here to help.
Contact us today to discuss how we can help you maintain compliance and protect your business.